The Art Institutes help people plan for careers in fields like graphic design, animation, fashion and even video production. For people in Tarrant County, the closest option has always been Dallas. For some potential students, that was just too far.

The Art Institute of Fort Worth Opens

“I always wanted to go when it was in Dallas,” said new student Christine Dunning. “I just didn’t want to commute.”

"Our Fort Worth location offers a tremendous amount of convenience for individuals who always wanted an Art Institute education, but didn't want to make the drive to Dallas for whatever reason,” said director Chad Williams.

That was the case for 19-year-old Sarah Childers, the school’s very first applicant.

"I heard from my mom, who heard from a friend, they heard it on the radio,” Childers said. “She told me, 'You know, they have one in Fort Worth,' I was like, 'No, they don't have one in Fort Worth' and I looked it up and there it is."

Classes started on April 5 and so far about 65 students are enrolled.

Classes will start again in May and again in July, eventually leading up to eight starts per year, allowing students to begin at times best for their schedules.